W. S. Pope to Richard Yates

Washington D.C.

July 7th 1862

Hon. Richd Yates

Gov of Ills.

Dear Governor:

How I long to be in Illinois now, and cannot. Simply because the offices at the War dept. grind like an Ox Mill.

Last Thursday I laid Our Comd - on the table of The Sec. of War - A hundred followed soon after and there! perhaps Allen's and mine are at the bottom!

My God! And My Country! how I long to say to our Western men Up and arm for every Emergency!

W. S. Pope

Washington July 7

About his comn from War Dept. - the War &c.

If the old Lions Come, they will find the young lions grown beyond their imagination.

Gov. Wood distinguished himself by rallying the waiting men near Richmond. Ills is always on [howl?] - I have not heard what part our boys took in the fight further than that they are equal to all the rest of the Cavalry their.

Saw "Mart" just now, He and The Doctor are here for something - they go today - The Spirit of Hunters letter about arming the free blacks and the abandoned blacks; is going rapidly [ever?] here

Suppose all the Governors should ask the privilege (if asking be necessary) & offer

all the blacks of the north that will present themselves -- Why not let a few of these work on a part in this great struggle which is sweeping off the youth and strength of the land in our noblest young men?

It will come to it - God and humanity demand that not all of the strength and hope of the nation be destroyed, whilst the causes of our Calamities remain secure to harrass posterity -

I hope to be in the Great West soon

Yours truly W S Pope